Structured Workplace Learning

Overview

What is structured workplace learning?

Structured workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to:

• integrate practical on-the-job experience and learning in the workplace with nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) undertaken as part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate
• undertake a work placement to complement an applied learning program as part of the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate
• demonstrate the practical application of work-related skills as part of VCE Industry and Enterprise.

Structured workplace learning provides the opportunity for:

• enhanced skill development
• practical application of industry knowledge
• assessment of units of competency
• achievement of some learning outcomes
• enhanced employment opportunities.

Principles of quality structured workplace learning

Quality structured workplace learning takes place within the context of vocational courses which are recognised by industry, are responsive to industry needs, and form part of a student’s exit credentials.

Quality structured workplace learning must:

• have a clearly articulated and documented purpose
• have clearly identified and documented learning outcomes for students within accredited programs which are linked to post-school qualifications
• be of sufficient duration and depth that it enables students to acquire a reasonable understanding of the enterprise/industry and demonstrate competence according to at least Level 1 of the industry standards as outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
• match students’ skills and interests with the structured training
• thoroughly prepare students, teachers and employers beforehand so that expectations and outcomes of the structured workplace learning are clearly understood by all parties.

Quality structured workplace learning is monitored, to ensure that:

• the learning is coordinated by staff with appropriate expertise and adequate resources
• support is available to students and employers throughout the course of the structured workplace learning.

Quality structured workplace learning is regulated, to ensure that:

• the safety, health, education, development and wellbeing of students is protected
• students work in a non-discriminatory and harassment free environment
• students receive appropriate training and instruction in occupational health and safety (OHS)
• students are not exploited by being continuously engaged in a production or service capacity, or being used to substitute for the employment of employees or the engagement of contractors and payment of appropriate wages or fees for service
• students understand the roles and responsibilities of employees in the workplace and are expected to follow reasonable directions of their supervisors and other employees.

Quality structured workplace learning is assessed, so that:

• students’ competencies achieved in the workplace are measured against industry standards, and contribute to the overall assessment of the program
• there are mechanisms for the recording and reporting of students’ competencies.

Benefits of structured workplace learning

Benefits for students

The benefits of structured workplace learning for students include:

• exposure to the world of work and opportunity to try out career choices before leaving school
• improved understanding of the work environment and employers’ expectations
• increased self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence, especially in the workplace
• increased motivation to continue study and/or undertake further training
• enhanced opportunities for part-time and casual employment and opportunity to develop contacts with potential employers
• opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills and competencies related to the accredited course that they are undertaking
• opportunity to undertake relevant courses which count towards the student’s exit credential and articulate into further education and training.

Benefits for schools

The benefits of structured workplace learning for schools include:

• providing opportunities which helps students develop skills for life-long learning
• improved knowledge and understanding of changing work environments
• a strengthened relationship between the school, local community and industry
• opportunity to work collaboratively with parents/carers in their child’s schooling by helping students prepare for structured workplace learning and debriefing with them after the placement.

Benefits for parents/carers

The benefits of structured workplace learning for parents/carers include:

• opportunity to discuss careers and pathways with their child, including their own previous and current experiences
• opportunity to positively contribute to their child’s secondary education and better prepare young people for life beyond school.

Benefits for employers

The benefits of structured workplace learning for employers include:

• opportunity for involvement in the education and development of students to increase work readiness including the development of entry level skills in industry
• opportunity to promote to young people the career potential of their industry
• opportunity to develop the training and supervisory skills of employees
• opportunity to create dialogue with teachers on aspects of work readiness and other matters related to work
• building industry-school partnerships that provide for local community needs and endeavours
• encouraging students to become involved with industry in their local community.

Benefits for the community

The benefits of structured workplace learning for the community include:

• opportunity for young people to actively contribute to and learn about businesses in their local community
• opportunity for young people to become actively involved in building the local community.